Springfield Lake, Lake Pleasant and West River Route 17

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The route consists of two separate lakes, not connected by a common watercourse, and will require a separate launch into each. Both lakes are easily accessible, and developed to an extent with cottages. They offer a pleasant, easy paddle.

The West River route description will be developed in the Summer of 2016 and will be available on our website: AnnapolisCounty.ca. A portion of the river, where it flows into Lake Pleasant from the west, is shown on the map.

Length: 4.0 kmTime: 1 dayApproach: South from Middleton 46 km along Highway No.10 to Springfield, and the

intersection of the Lake Pleasant Road.

Entry, Exit Points:Springfield Lake: Left (NORTHEAST) on Hastings Road 600m to intersection off road to lake. Right (SOUTHEAST) on road 300m to lake. Launch at beach in Community Park.Lake Pleasant: Right (SOUTHWEST) on Lake Pleasant Road 1.2 km to a small park on east of the

bridge at West River.

Parking: Springfield Lake: At Entry, Exit Point. The launch site is located in the Springfield Union Picnic Grounds Park which is owned by a non-profit community organization in Springfield. Parking is available.Lake Pleasant: On left, east side of the road. The launch site is located at the Lake Pleasant Park

and Boat Launch, owned by the County of Annapolis. Parking is available at the site.West River: Located west of the Lake Pleasant Park and Boat Launch. A short carry across the

road into the West River will allow paddlers another paddling experience. The West River is a long narrow river that offers a different experience and with a series of canoe carries and lifts this route connects to Big LaHave Lake. Watch for details of this route on our website.

Landmarks: 1. Church2. Tammy's Country Stop (community store, 997 Highway 10)3. Springfield and District Fire Hall

Route Classification: Novice

Portage Information: Portaging required on West River only. Refer to our website for more detailed information in the future.

Interesting information:

Springfield Lake was home to The Davidson Lumber Mill, operated under the name of the “Davidson Lumber Company”. The mill was the largest ever in Nova Scotia, built in 1902 and said to be the largest this side of Montreal. The mill's smokestack was 140 feet high, 40 feet of brick and 100 feet of steel and it was 8 feet in diameter. It was located on the north east corner of the lake. Source: Hastings - Our community from the past created by the Golden Age Seniors Club.

Lake Pleasant is home to 14 Wing Greenwood's Lake Pleasant Recreation Facility. It is located on a peninsula of land on the south side of the lake.

Waterloo and Shannon Lakes Route 160 1000SCALE METRES

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This route, except for a short paddle through Shannon Lake, follows the Nictaux River entirely, as it winds its way down the north face of the South Mountain, on its way to the Annapolis Valley floor. Winding through undeveloped woodland, it offers a genuine feeling of remoteness, and will test the paddler's moving water skills. There are three sets of rapids on the route, and all can be bypassed via portages. The river is part of the Nova Scotia Power Nictaux Development, and water levels will fluctuate with the demands of power generation. It is recommended that this route be taken only during moderate to high water levels. Low water levels do not allow enough water volumes for easy passage down the route. This route can be done in whole (2 days) or in parts depending on what access area you chose.

Please note that the South Shore Annapolis Valley Trail is a multi-use trail. There is a waterfall located at the eastern area of the dam. Refer to Michael Haynes’ Hiking Trails of Mainland Nova Scotia for a more detailed description. Due to water fluctuations, many prefer to paddle the canal and carry into the head pond of the Nictaux Dam for a paddle exploration and return in one day.

Length: 21 kmTime: 2 daysApproach: South from Middleton 28 km along Highway 10 past Albany Cross and the intersection of the West Dalhousie Road. Continue on Highway 10 from Albany Cross 1.6 km to bridge at Shannon River. Entries left side of Highway 10 at bridge or east and find portage or canoe carry. It is a short distance south of the Shannon River Canoe Access Park.

Entry, Exit Points: Shannon Lake: Left (EAST) on Portage 1 at bridge, to Shannon Lake.Scotchman's Lip: North from Albany Cross 4 km to intersection of Squirreltown Road. Right (EAST) on Squirreltown Road 4km to Scotchman's Lip on Nictaux River.Nictaux River Dam: The road leading to the dam is 8 km south of Highway 201 on Highway 10. Turn east on dirt road owned by NS Power to dam. Park and carry across the South Shore Annapolis Valley Trail and launch at the head pond. This road is sometimes gated.NSP Canal: Nova Scotia Power canal crosses Highway # 10 approx 5 km south of Highway 201 in Nictaux. There is a limited parking and please do not block the gates to the NS Power road that runs alongside the canal.

Parking: Shannon Lake: Park at the Shannon River Access Park and walk back. There is a woods road nearby that some chose to park at.Scotchmans Lip: At launch area.Nictaux River Dam: At dam site.

Landmarks: 1. Shannon River Canoe Access Park - owned /managed by the County of Annapolis.

Route Classification: Intermediate.

Portage Information: 1: 200m Short carry to lake. In lower water levels, small lifts or lining may be required for a short distance. 2: Navigable in moderate to high water. May require short lifts or lining. 3: Navigable in moderate to high water. May require short lifts or lining. 4: 400 m On left (WEST) side of river at head of rapids. 5: 600 m On left (WEST) side of river at head of rapids. Carry along the South Shore Annapolis Valley Trail and launch into the NSP head pond. 6: On left (WEST) Cross the Trail and launch below dam (NORTH).

Nictaux River Route 18

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Springfield Lake

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The Municipality of the County of Annapolis does not have control over the canoe routes, portages or wilderness tent areas listed in this guide, and therefore assumes no responsibility for the safety of the canoeist paddling the route, walking the portage, or using the wilderness tent areas.

We recommend that users approach all canoe routes and wilderness tent areas in a safe and responsible manner, and conduct visual inspections whenever possible and practical.

Conditions can change through fluctuating water levels, addition of natural debris, and commercial logging activity.

As we are not the owners of any of these lands or routes, any special arrangements must be made directly with the owners and you are accountable to them for any damage, loss or other problems that you may cause.

Although the information in this guide is believed to be accurate, we assume no liability for any errors or omissions that may exist, or for changes that may have occurred on the routes after the publication of this guide.

We recommend, as a supplement to the information herein, that you use Natural Resources Canada 1:50,000 topographical series maps of the general canoe routes.

Annapolis County Recreation Services requests that you read the sections on Safety, Equipment, Trip Planning and Wilderness Ethics before you travel on the lakes and waterways of the region.

Always tell someone where you are going and when you are returning. Please be aware that many portages/canoe carries are not marked.

Map Legend

Highway 101, Exit

Public Highway

Highlighted for clarity:

Entry, Exit Point

Landmark

Portage

River Section

Rapids

Existing Tentsite

Beach

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l0l 21

Municipal Boundary

Contour/ Elevation

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Disclaimer

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Grid North

Grid Line

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